golden retriever on beach shore during daytime

Boca Raton Expands Dog-Friendly Beach Access at Bark Beach

by | Feb 8, 2026 | Boca News | 0 comments

The City of Boca Raton announced Friday that Bark Beach, the city’s designated dog-friendly beach, is now open seven days a week, giving residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy the shoreline with their dogs.

Bark Beach is located within Spanish River Park, between lifeguard towers 18 and 20, and allows dogs to run off-leash during designated hours. Under the updated schedule, Bark Beach is open daily from 7–9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. until sunset. During daylight saving time, evening access begins at 5 p.m.

Access requires a Bark Beach Dog Entry Permit, which runs from October 1 through September 30. Annual permits cost $35 per dog for Boca Raton residents and $210 per dog for non-residents, based on the owner’s address. Each dog must have its own permit, and handlers are limited to two dogs per person.

The city emphasized that rules remain in place to ensure safety and cleanliness. Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the beach, remain within the designated dog-friendly area, and may not dig in the sand. Owners are required to carry waste disposal supplies and clean up after their pets. Excessive barking, aggressive behavior, or other disturbances are prohibited.

Permit holders must carry proof of registration at all times and are responsible for their dog’s behavior.

City officials described the expanded access as a balance between pet-friendly recreation and responsible beach use, offering a legal and structured way for dogs to enjoy Boca Raton’s coastline.

If you want these tightened even more, or adjusted to match a specific publication voice, say the word.

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Harlan Kilstein has been a Boca Resident since 1997. He know the ins and out of Boca




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